Travel Photo of the Week: Women of Elephanta Island
During a wet, steamy October visit to Elephanta Island and after disembarking from the boat trip from ‘ Gateway of India’ Mumbai, we were welcomed by a group of local women. They modeled for the visitors charging 2 rupees for a photo and more if they could get it! This photo was taken before a further 10-20 ladies came rushing over trying to get in the photo shoot to claim their 2 rupees.
The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.
Both islands boast dramatic natural beauty, with rugged mountains and incredible scenery, perfect for those who enjoying exploring the great outdoors on their holidays. The stunning scenery is surrounded by beaches of black sand, formed from the volcanic geology of the Canaries which offer a stark contrast to the white sands of their Spanish counterparts. For the walkers and hikers amongst you, La Palma boasts the incredible Caldera de Taburiente National Park to the north, where you can explore walking trails, or venture to the jaw-dropping Fuencaliente volcanoes for a day out with a difference. Over on La Gomera, you’ll find the UNESCO world heritage site of the Garajonay National Park, which is largely covered by the lush Laurel forest and perfect for hiking through. If you prefer to explore the islands in a more relaxed manner, hiring a car is the best option as public transport is very limited. It is advised that you arrange car hire before you travel to La Palma and La Gomera, as these services get booked up quickly during the peak season.
As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many cheap hotels on the island, which offer homely comfort as well as exceptional service and authentic cuisine, including the famous tapas, Canarian potatoes with mojo or traditional paella. It is recommended that you indulge in fresh fish whilst holidaying on the islands, as it is caught daily and is the perfect addition to the locally produced wine. You can also take a little bit of the Canaries home with you by purchasing souvenirs from the markets and small shops, where local handmade crafts, aloe vera products, lace and pottery are in abundance.
The slow pace of life and untouched qualities of each island means it’s certainly not a place for party goers. These islands are not served by direct flights from the UK and have relatively little or no influence from other nations, so visitors will experience the authentic Canary lifestyle. It’s the perfect holiday for those wanting to enjoy the natural scenery whilst relaxing and unwinding.
This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of hotels in Spain suitable for all tastes and budgets.
El Nido is an isolated travel destination in the Province of Palawan. It’s also referred to as the Philippines ‘last frontier’. El Nido is approximately 420 kilometres south-west of Manila and is reached by air from Manila. Boat services are regular to the outlying islands of Palawan.
Some of the key highlights of the area include Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, El Nido Marine Reserve Park, the spectacular limestone cliffs, isolated coves and lagoons.
Lagen Island and Miniloc Island are the home of the beautiful El Nido Resorts. Both these resorts are very popular with international visitors and honeymooners, offering first class accommodation in a serene destination.
One great reason to visit this travel destination is for its sheer beauty. I read a statement whilst researching this post, it read “God spent a lot of time here making it perfect!”
Travel Photo of the Week: Geisha District, Kyoto, Japan
Japan is a perfect example of a country where cultural traditions and modern technology co-exist. There is, however, nothing in the West that compares to the Geisha. Witnessing this Kyoto Geisha heading out early evening was a highlight of my trip to amazing Japan. These women are working and probably on their way to an engagement where Geisha elders or customers are waiting. I was unprepared for the richness of the Kimono, the teetering walk in their platform sandals, the elaborate hair, the whiteness of the makeup and the smile. It was thanks to the local Geisha School connections of our Canadian born tour guide which enabled such close proximity. It was breathtaking and moving.
The Traveler IQ challenge ranks geographic knowledge of cities such as: Punta Cana, Willemstad or Columbia by comparing results against 5,473,834 other travelers.
The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.
As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many 
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